Jean Victor Makengo has just signed with OGC Nice after two successful seasons at FC Caen. Presentation of a talent described as “close to that of Ngolo Kanté.”
Adrien Makengo is the second recruit for OGC Nice. A young talent (19 years old), who already boasts two strong seasons at FC Caen.
For President Jean-Pierre Rivère, Jean-Victor Makengo “is a player we’ve been following for a long time,” who may be unknown to some but known to others.
“He’s a good boy, but I’ll let the coach speak about his qualities. We’re looking to the future with this type of player. We’re very happy and very glad he chose OGC Nice. There was a lot of competition for him, including some clubs offering financial conditions that are not ours.”
Lucien Favre, the Nice coach, speaks in turn: “As President Rivère said, the player has been followed for a long time by OGC Nice. I haven’t watched a lot of clips or matches of Jean-Victor yet. He has high potential, we see it in training, he has a lot of qualities. Of course, at 19, he still has work to do, that’s logical. We are excited to do this work because it’s fascinating. And he has ambition. He will improve daily with intelligent objectives. The rest will come naturally.”
Exclusive Interview with Jean-Victor Makengo
Why come to Nice at this point in your career?
It’s for development. OGC Nice offered me a project that I really liked, and as I said, when I see all the young players who come here and enjoy it, it makes me want to come even more and advance my career.
How do you see OGC Nice’s policy of increasingly trusting young players over the past few years?
When I saw the city of Nice and everything that came with it, it really was a project that I liked. I didn’t hesitate to accept.
Jean Victor, how should we call you this season?
You can call me J-V.
Did you ask Romain Genevois, who was with you at Caen, for any advice?
I tried to sound him out a bit to get some information. I asked without going into too much detail. His feedback was rather positive. He often spoke of Nice, saying it was a club where he felt good.
Jean-Victor, several people compare you to Ngolo Kanté, what do you think?
It’s very flattering. After all, Ngolo Kanté is someone who already had a great career and has achieved great things. I haven’t shown anything yet, so it can only flatter me. I’m trying to progress and get to my level.
Have you ever played with him?
I saw him; we were at the training center together, but I never played with him. He really was a “monster.” I want to do everything well. I love perfection, and that’s what drives me forward, I think.
What are the areas you need to improve and enhance? (RMC)
I would like to improve my tactics, further refine my technique. Integrate myself into this group and act as if I’ve been here for a long time.
Coach Favre, it’s been 3 days since you’ve seen him evolve, what do you think? (Petit Niçois)
Lucien Favre, the OGCN coach, speaks: “I repeat, we did a bit of everything. We have preparation to do, so we did simple exercises on the field. We played small matches, some 5 against 2 drills. Then, it’s in tactical, technical, movement details that there’s work, but we already see very nice things.”
President Rivère then takes the microphone: “When we take a player, we first think he has potential. How far JV will go, we don’t know. We have to give him time. I think he’s lucky to be in a club that allows growth.”
He continues: “We’re lucky to have a coach extremely attentive to detail. It’s these details that make the difference. I think he (speaking of Jean-Victor) has all the assets to succeed. I believe the desire is there. I always find it regrettable to compare one player to another. Everyone has their personality, their way of playing.”
50 million in contract clauses, does that put pressure on you, Jean-Victor? (Nice-Matin)
Not at all, replies Jean Victor. The club has complete confidence in this regard. They told me they will give me time to learn and provide everything I need to progress. It doesn’t put any pressure on me. I am here to have fun, to play football. That’s what the club offers me, and I’m happy.
Does competition worry you?
Not at all. Competition is everywhere. It’s not something that worries me. On the contrary, it helps me improve. I like it.
